Viking 55 Convertible

Viking launched the newest member of its estimable line of convertibles this past summer, and ever since then the New Gretna, New Jersey, company has been selling the vessels like 56-foot 5-inch hotcakes. As of press time eight of the sleek fishing machines had rumbled off to new home ports. That’s actually not very surprising, since this 55 is a reimagination of a similar boat Viking launched way back in 1996—a model they sold 153 of.

One reason she’s been jumping off the “for sale” dock lately is her exterior design. Her profile has steeply raked lines and boasts fluid curves throughout, while that big telltale visor in front lets you know that this boat means business.

Specifications

Builder: Viking

Model: Viking 55 Convertible

Year: 2012

LOA: 56'5"

Beam: 17'9"

Draft: 5'1"

Standard Power: 2/1,400-mhp MAN V12s

Base Price: $2,300,000

Cruise speed: 34.8 knots

Top speed: 41 knots

And by business I mostly mean serious sportfishing, the bulk of which goes down in her spacious, 151-square-foot cockpit, a measurement which doesn’t include a mezzanine deck for observation. The lower cockpit comes equipped with raw- and freshwater washdown systems, four rod holders, an in-deck fishbox, and an extra space which can be used for stowage, a livewell, or an ice chipper. Oh and that mezzanine deck? It’s got some stuff too, including seating, tackle stowage, and a step-box cooler.

Engine packages range from 2,720-horsepower to 3,600-horsepower. A recent 55 outfitted with 3,100-horsepower MAN V12s topped out at 41 knots, and had a cruise of 34.8. The fish aren’t going to know what hit them.